CVE-2022-25643 in seatd
Summary
by MITRE • 02/24/2022
seatd-launch in seatd 0.6.x before 0.6.4 allows removing files with escalated privileges when installed setuid root. The attack vector is a user-supplied socket pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25643 affects seatd-launch component within seatd versions 0.6.x prior to 0.6.4, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables unauthorized file removal operations through a maliciously crafted socket pathname. This vulnerability specifically manifests when seatd-launch is installed with setuid root permissions, creating a dangerous attack surface where unprivileged users can exploit the flawed path handling mechanism to execute elevated operations.
The technical flaw resides in how seatd-launch processes user-supplied socket pathnames, failing to properly validate or sanitize input before performing file system operations. When the component receives a socket pathname from an untrusted source, it does not adequately verify the path structure or enforce proper access controls, allowing attackers to craft malicious paths that bypass normal file system security boundaries. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory," which specifically addresses the vulnerability of path traversal attacks that can lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows any local user to remove arbitrary files from the system with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can exploit this flaw to delete critical system files, modify configuration data, or remove security-related components, effectively undermining the integrity and availability of the affected system. The attack vector specifically requires the presence of a setuid root installation, making systems running seatd with elevated permissions particularly vulnerable to this privilege escalation technique.
The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1548.001, "Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Setuid and Setgid," where attackers leverage improperly configured setuid binaries to gain elevated privileges. This particular flaw enables lateral movement and persistent access patterns that could allow attackers to establish footholds within the system. The exploitation process involves crafting a malicious socket pathname that, when processed by the vulnerable seatd-launch component, results in unintended file system operations performed with root privileges.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching to seatd version 0.6.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper pathname validation. System administrators should also review all setuid installations and ensure that only essential components maintain elevated privileges. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied data, combined with regular security audits of setuid binaries, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components. The remediation approach should align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls for privilege management and access control to prevent unauthorized elevation of privileges.